Back to the Future and Top Gun actor James Tolkan has sadly died aged 94. The actor, who was known for his role as Mr Strickland in the first two instalments of the series and as his character's ancestor in the third film, died at his home in Saranac Lake, New York, on Thursday (March 26). Tolkan had a range of acting credits behind him, including Top Gun, Cobra, and Masters of the Universe.

News of his death was shared on the Back to the Future official website, which had written that he "passed away peacefully" and shared an obituary for him where they celebrated his career which saw him spend 25 years in New York theatre and moved his career to California and Canada when he was cast in War Games. They wrote: "His most memorable film roles were as Mr Strickland in Back to the Future, and as Tom Cruise's CO Stinger in Top Gun."

Tributes have poured in for the actor on X, with one user writing: "Rest in peace to James Tolkan, between Top Gun and Back to the Future, he is responsible for some of the greatest line deliveries of all time." Another wrote: "He made every role memorable and Mr. Strickland will live on forever in our hearts."

A third said: "RIP James Tolkan (1931–2026). Fiery character actor who glared as Mr. Strickland in Back to the Future and commanded in Top Gun. No slackers allowed. Rest in peace." While a fourth wrote: "James Tolkan — best known as Vice Principal Strickland in Back to the Future — has died at 94. A memorable force in classics like Top Gun and WarGames, his legacy as one of the great ‘80s character actors lives on."

Before the actor made it in Hollywood, he served in the Korean War with the United States Navy. After this, he pursued his dream of acting.

Following his degree, he went straight to New York City with just $75 in his pocket and worked on the docks before enrolling with Stella Adler and Lee Strasburg to continue to learn acting.

Outside of his big film hits, he also appeared in numerous TV shows through 2011, while his last film credit was in 2015s film Bone Tomahawk.

He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Parmelee, and three neices. The official Back to the Future website noted that he adored animals and for people who wish to donate anything following his death, his preference would be to your local animal shelter, animal rescue organisation or Human Society chapter.